The House of My Mother

The Sunday Times bestselling memoir about a daughter's quest for freedom

By: Shari Franke

Narrated by: Shari Franke

From eldest daughter Shari Franke, the shocking true story behind the viral 8 Passengers family vlog – now the subject of a new Disney+ docuseries – and the hidden abuse she suffered at the hands of her mother, and how, in the face of unimaginable pain, she found freedom and healing.

Shari Franke’s childhood was a constant battle for survival. Her mother, Ruby Franke, enforced a severe moral code while maintaining a façade of a picture-perfect family for their wildly popular YouTube channel 8 Passengers, which documented the day-to-day life of raising six children for a staggering 2.5 million subscribers. But a darker truth lurked beneath the surface – Ruby’s wholesome online persona masked a more tyrannical parenting style than anyone could have imagined.

As the family’s YouTube notoriety grew, so too did Ruby’s delusions of righteousness. Fueled by the sadistic influence of relationship coach Jodi Hildebrandt, together they implemented an inhumane and merciless disciplinary regime.

Ruby and Jodi were arrested in Utah in 2023 on multiple charges of aggravated child abuse. On that fateful day, Shari shared a photo online of a police car outside their home. Her caption had one word: 'Finally'.

For the first time, Shari will reveal the disturbing truth behind 8 Passengers and her family’s devastating involvement with Jodi Hildebrandt’s cultish life coaching program, 'ConneXions'. No stone is left unturned as Shari exposes the perils of influencer culture and shares for the first time her battle for truth and survival in the face of her mother’s cruelty.

The Emotional Openness

I liked the whole book. Shari truly helpped me understand her pain through her words and her retelling.

Honest and insightful account of systematic abuse

Writing this must have been a very difficult process of reflection and I applaud the author for her straightforward honesty and vulnerability, as well as her insights into the psychology behind her actions and those of others.

Really touching

Amazing performance by shari..
Really moving story
I wish you a happy peaceful life ..
For you and you siblings

powerful and sad

feel deeply saddened by what Shari and her siblings went through. hoping justice is served and the hopefully the justice system also readjusts their policies to protect families in future.

A Poignant Reflection

Shari has written and recorded this book with such beautiful reflection and empathy for her siblings. She has given an in depth look at the reality of her own childhood without betraying the privacy of her younger siblings. As someone who grew up in a turbulent and abusive home, I deeply appreciate her ability to reflect and sensitivity to the subject. May this whole family find the peace they so obviously deserve.